Free Waiting for Romeo by Diane Mannino Page B

breathtaking smile that it’s impossible not to stare.
    “Fine. But just a minute or I’m sure Bryn will send out a search and rescue.” I glance in Bryn’s direction and give her the be-back-in-a-sec look. She looks flustered but apparently gives me clearance because she doesn’t tackle me as I head towards the back of the bar.
    I step out the back door with Logan’s hand still around my waist. The crisp, cool air is a welcome relief as I close my eyes.
    When I open my eyes, Logan leans against me, pushing my back against the brick wall. His hips are against me as he holds my one arm, pinning me down while his other hand caresses my cheek. His eyes, pleading and full of desire are locked on mine. He leans and kisses the sensitive spot on my neck then slowly, hesitantly his mouth moves to my jaw and beside my ear. “Just tell me to stop.” He whispers.
    And, those words are my undoing. I lift my free hand up into his hair, pulling his mouth to mine. Now, that he has my consent, he kisses me harder as his tongue pushes into mine. The heartbreak over the last month pushes me over the edge, making me kiss him back with the same intensity.
    He moans into my mouth as his hand tugs my hair, pulling me closer to him. I wrap my leg around his and he responds by lifting it higher and wrapping it tighter against him. As his mouth sweeps against mine, his hard body is pressed against me and I can feel his desire.
    A sudden and invigorating breeze snaps me out of the heated moment. Pulling back, my heart pounds as I try to regain my wits. Logan rests his forehead against mine while he calms his breathing.
    “You wanted to talk?” I murmur, shyly. I think to myself how I will stupidly have to admit that Bryn is right in her assertion: I have no self-control when he’s near.
    He smiles and stands, taking both my hands in his.
    “I need you to say it.” He gazes at me, earnestly.
    “Um. I don’t know what you’re talking about.” I say, truthfully.
    “You’ll take me back.”
    “Oh, Logan. I can’t. Not now.”
    “When? Tomorrow? Next week? A month? I’m not going anywhere I just need to know. I need to know you’ll take me back.”
    I swallow. “I told you. I need some time. I don’t know how long or when. I had serious trust issues before and well, now, I don’t know. How can I trust you?”
    “I’m sorry, baby.” He leans and kisses me again. His lips are warm and gentle as his tongue slips into my mouth again. For a short moment, I return the kiss and then pull away.
    “Logan, don’t.” I whisper.
    “Don’t what?”
    “Please. I know what you’re doing. I’m like putty in your hands when you kiss me. Bryn is right I should get a restraining order.”
    He laughs. “And you think that would really prevent me from coming after you?”
    I shake my head. “If we are really meant to get back together then you’ll give me time .”
    “Okay.” He says as he strokes his chin, deep in thought.
    “Okay?”
    “Yes. If that’s what you want. I told you: I will wait. Of course, I hope I won’t have to wait long but I’ll wait.”
    “Why do I feel like you’re up to something?”
    He smiles. “I’ve already told you how I feel about you. I’ve laid it all out on the table. So, as much as I want you back… the bottom line is that you need to want me. I want you to want me.”
    Leaning forward he caresses the side of my face and then takes my chin in his hand. He rubs his thumb gently across my lower lip, sending shivers down my spine. In that moment there’s no doubt my body wants him; craves his touch. Certainly, it’s only my mind that needs convincing.
    I sigh.
    “But I do need to know one thing.”
    “I told you…I don’t know how long.”
    He shakes his head. “Are you or are you not dating him?”
    I know I need to be honest with him. Besides he probably already heard about New Year’s.
    “We kissed, but that’s it. We’re not dating.” I confess, guiltily.
    He frowns. “You